[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy":3,"chapter-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-153":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Strongest Student of the Weakest Academy",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1027179,1339,"Chapter 153: Silverleaf Academy (1)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-153",153,"\u003Cp>\"Fuu...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I adjusted my tie, tugging it just a bit tighter, before exhaling deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here I was, standing before the grand gates of Silverleaf Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive gates gleamed in the morning light, their silver sheen perfectly complementing the tall trees that surrounded the entire campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The buildings themselves were sleek and elegant, reflecting a quiet majesty, standing tall between canopies of lush greenery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything about this place felt so... familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I was wearing the Silverleaf uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the standard one, though. I had the leader's uniform—the one I earned after the competition a few months ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the only uniform that I had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I just didn't ask for another uniform because I wanted this to be some kind of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the perfect time to do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, at this hour, the academy was holding its weekly event, [Catch Me, If You Can]—a game of tag, where the students could bet money on the players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was chaotic, fun, and most importantly, everyone would be gathered in the stadium, leaving me with the perfect chance to make my entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright... It's time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped forward, walking up to the guards stationed at the gates. As soon as they spotted me, their hands flew to their swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before they could unsheathe them, I called out with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo! How's it going, Jorge?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One guard paused, blinking in confusion, then broke into a grin as he recognized me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And how's your wife, Robert?\" I asked, turning to the second guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes went wide in shock, and they froze for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of swords hitting the stone ground echoed in the air as both guards rushed toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jorge wrapped his arms around me in a big hug, nearly knocking me off my feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's really you! You're back!\" he said, his voice full of excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled, ruffling his hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I'm back.\" I smiled, then glanced at Robert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard you got yourself a title now, huh? Congratulations, man.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks!\" Jorge grinned widely, stepping back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should've seen it. The whole academy was buzzing when they heard you were coming back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, a lot's happened,\" I said with a small, wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We shared a few more laughs, catching up on life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, after some friendly back-and-forth, I waved goodbye to the guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They opened the gates wide for me, and I stepped through, taking in the familiar sight of Silverleaf Academy once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air felt crisp, like it always did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and I couldn't help but close my eyes for a moment, breathing it all in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah... how I missed this pure air,\" I murmured to myself, smiling softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing beats it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I made my way through the academy grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path was quiet, except for the sound of my footsteps crunching the gravel. The trees lined the paths like silent sentinels, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't take long to reach the stadium, and as I got closer, I could hear the noise spilling out from within—the sounds of excited voices, shouting, and laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Now... there's only one student remaining to be caught!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium as I effortlessly leapt into a hidden spot above, keeping my mana concealed as best I could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, no one seemed to notice my movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From here, I could clearly see some familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well... familiar would be the wrong way to put it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew all of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Derek, James, Mia, Taylor, and many more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, in the arena, someone caught my attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Maria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn't exactly a dexterity-type mage, but she was currently the last one remaining to be caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And right now, she had to dodge a barrage of spells from the other students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...Only five minutes remaining! Can Maria defend herself against all those attacks without being tagged!?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer's voice was full of excitement, adding to the energy of the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes naturally followed Maria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana crackled around her hands, and a powerful gust of wind sent her flying backward, creating space between her and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not getting away, Maria!\" shouted one of the students, trying to close the gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACKLE!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SWOOP!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning zapped through the air, flames shot toward her, and a massive wave of water surged in her direction—all aimed at her in a coordinated attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes darted, calculating her next move, and she quickly began chanting another spell, launching herself upwards to avoid the incoming dangers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—something caught my attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden surge of mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my head, trying to place it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never seen him before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man stood at the edge of the arena, his focus completely on Maria. I could sense his mana building—he was about to unleash something powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Frost Explosion! (✦ 6th-level Spell ✦) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he's using Frost Explosion...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart sank, and my eyes instantly widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sixth-level spell against someone who was already weakened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is too fucking dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>FWOOP!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spell shot toward Maria at breakneck speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"QUICKLY, STOP THAT SPELL!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professors shouted immediately in panic, and the man who had thrown the spell frowned deeply as his expression shifted from confidence to panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't seem to be a bad person...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, now I had another thing to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I snapped my fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>『 Time Freeze (✯ 9th-Level Spell ✯) 』\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bolted from my hiding spot, landing right in front of Maria in an instant. I barely took a moment to check the trajectory of the incoming spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a swift motion, I snapped my fingers again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoop—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I extended my hand, catching the ball of frozen mana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosion rocked through the air, ice shards scattering like shrapnel, debris flying in all directions. The force of it blew a thick cloud of smoke around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maria's voice was barely a whisper, her body trembling behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cloud slowly started to clear, and as the smoke faded, my figure became visible to the students in the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to Maria with a small smile, shaking out the arm that was covered in ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you okay?\" I tilted my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the familiar voice, Maria slowly opened her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, they shimmered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glistening tears appeared on her eyelids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She threw herself into my arms, muttering...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea, you big dummy, you're finally back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I patted her back lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah... I'm indeed back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dammit! Let's go, guys!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Derek and the others saw the incoming powerful spell, they immediately sprang into action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a second thought, they dove out of the crowd, charging toward Maria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell was that guy thinking?!\" Mia cursed, her voice sharp with frustration as she bit her lip in worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive explosion rocked the air, sending a towering cloud of smoke spiraling upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ice shards and debris flew in every direction, and the group froze for a moment, their faces filled with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That spell could have done serious damage to Maria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please be okay... Please, just be okay!\" Mia whispered frantically as she pushed toward the dissipating cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could practically feel her heart beating without even touching her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, through the thick smoke, something stirred—a silhouette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A very familiar one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mist cleared out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man with silver hair and stunning, glowing red eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore the leader's uniform of Silverleaf Academy, the very one that signified the strongest student of the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver mana swirled around his outstretched hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear to them who it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maria launched herself into his arms, her face flooded with relief as she hugged him tightly. The rest of the group's faces shifted in surprise, mouths agape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire arena fell silent for a beat before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"AESTREA!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shout erupted from the crowd, a collective roar of excitement and joy. Every single student leapt from their seats, rushing toward the arena as one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The professors weren't far behind, their expressions equally elated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James, Mia, and Derek wasted no time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all jumped towards Aestrea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally, you bastard!\" James yelled, laughing as he practically pounced on Aestrea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mia followed HIM, her voice full of enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"AESTREA, I MISSED YOU!\" she shouted, squeezing him in a bear hug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Aestrea could even react, Derek added with his trademark grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wassup, buddy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all piled onto him, sending him crashing to the ground in a heap of laughter and friendly chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of friends was back together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea grinned, a small chuckle escaping him as the weight of his friends crashed into him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah, I'm back. Didn't miss you guys that much,\" he teased, though his smile was warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the ground seemed to shake beneath them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the students—everyone from the academy, including the professors—rushed forward, eager to see their long-missing leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shit—we're FUCKED!\" Derek said, trying to stand but getting knocked down again by the sheer force of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of all the students and faculty flattened them like pancakes, and all Aestrea could do was laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me breathe for a second!\" he shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the overwhelming noise of laughter and chatter that surrounded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But despite all this trouble, a small smile remained on Aestrea's lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took a while for them to distance themselves from Aestrea, and as soon as he did, Aestrea began greeting everyone with the same familiar smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea was the heart of Silverleaf Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much time had passed, they all felt that connection with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were a large number of students, so one could tell that greeting everyone would take a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So yeah... Aestrea spent two hours greeting everyone; he even made plans with many of them, so he already knew he would be busy for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until finally, only Derek's group remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mia wasted no time, slipping up behind Aestrea and wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her insanely huge chest pressed firmly against his back as she hugged him with a dramatic flourish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea~\" she purred playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea turned his head, his smile light as he chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mia... you're still the same as before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muah~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could say more, Mia leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why, of course! The only thing that's different now is that this heart of mine...\" she trailed off dramatically, \"...that's been torn apart by the long absence of my one true love—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—BAM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Derek grinned as he shoved Mia off of Aestrea, sending her stumbling back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave the flirting for later,\" Derek scoffed, though his grin couldn't hide his affection for his friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wassup, dude? How've you been?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without missing a beat, the two embraced, a brotherly hug that felt like no time had passed at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>James stepped forward next, fist raised in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea, my man! Finally back from your little vacation! You're looking even hotter than before!\" he laughed, and the two bumped fists in a way only old friends could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea smiled back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really? It's a pity I can't say the same about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.. you damn bastard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vein popped in James's forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slapped Aestrea's back with all his might, but despite that, Aestrea's face didn't even show a hint of pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn! You got even stronger?! Then, how the fuck will I catch up to you?\" James's eyes widened dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuck... it seems that we'll need to increase our dose of training,\" Derek added, exchanging glances with James.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea only shook his head at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They continued chatting for a while, and after that, Aestrea got teased by Mia for a while, which, unfortunately for her, didn't end up working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides that, Aestrea said goodbye to Maria, who seemed a bit shy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even while being shy, Maria hugged him again before leaving in a hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea chuckled at her actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuu... they left me completely alone here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't help but shake his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around, and then his breath suddenly caught in his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden gust of wind whipped through the air, ruffling his coat\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, standing in the soft glow of the moonlight, was a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her long hair—scarlet red, like the brightest flames—cascaded down her back, swaying because of the powerful wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It framed her face in a way that made the moonlight seem dull in comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rich crimson of her dress clung to her figure, the satin fabric catching the light with every slight movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aestrea's gaze traveled up, meeting her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were deep, almost as if they could see straight through him, and a soft smile curled at the corners of her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Vivian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aestrea...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her red lips parted, her voice was soft, like a whisper only meant for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I missed you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head, her smile gentle, her eyes locked with his in a way that made everything else disappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world around them seemed to pause, and all he could do was stare back.\u003C\u002Fp>",2234,"2026-06-03T09:18:17.304Z","2026-06-03T09:18:22.612Z",1,"novelbin.me","017240ad5c1a68918dcd2bd9cd6c95ed56c6fe0ead221988538fadc6c7850cfd","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-221","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-220",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]